Christmas comes early at Meshino

On December 1, 2021, as the tree goes up at Meshino Cafe, it’s a sign that Christmas has arrived at this charming cafe.

From hot chocolates for the little ones to fruit cakes for the family, you’ll find so many beloved holiday treats inside – as co-owner Gabrielle Topp notes: ‘‘Everything is starting to feel a lot like Christmas.’’

Just as it’s been doing for the past four years, Meshino Cafe is spreading the Yuletide joy by collecting new toys/clothes in its Ronald McDonald House donation bucket. If you have anything to donate, the bucket will be out until December 24 (Meshino’s last business day), before being taken to the families at Ronald McDonald House.

Looking for some delicious Christmas kai? The cafe has you covered with an extensive range of Christmas cakes and pantry food. There’s traditional cakes topped with almonds, cherries and apricot glaze; a keto cake that’s gluten-free, full of cranberries/goji berries and topped with a coconut sugary syrup; and vegan/dairy-free Christmas cakes made with fruit mince soaked in whiskey and topped with date syrup.

Panty items range from $10-$15 and include mustard, fruits for the ham, caramelised onion, herb dressing, sage and onion marmalade, peach and sweet chilli relish, quince jam, and Meshino Cafe’s famous tomato relish (made from Mike Topp’s Nana’s recipe).

All pantry items are made fresh instore. Making great gifts or additions to your own cupboard, these are so easy to use to add something special to meals.

‘‘The sweet and sour figs go well with a summer platter for the hot days ahead; while the whiskey and caramel butter sauce can be heated, stirred and poured on your Christmas pudding – yum!’’

Packs of eight mini Christmas mince pies are also available, alongside larger ones which can be served with brandy whipped cream.

Looking for a gift for the coffee-lover or foodie in your life? The cafe has branded Meshino keep cups and traditional All Press ones: or they can make up a gift basket with notice. Gift vouchers are also available.

Coming into Christmas, it’s a good time to reflect on the year that was. As such, Gabrielle wants to thank all their amazing customers at both cafes, especially the Canterbury rugby crew from across the road at Rutland Street.

‘‘All the support and kindness we have received from regulars and all the community far and wide has made us so happy, it’s been a pleasure to see and meet you all.’’

‘‘This is what Meshino is all about – keeping customers happy and staff happy, and for that we unconditionally thank you.’’

Meshino Cafe and Meshino Expresso are aiming to have their check-in Vaccine Passport app ready to go by the end of this week, ensuring the safety of their staff and customers.

In 2022, Meshino Cafe at 75 Rutland Street will reopen on January 6. Meshino Expresso at 1 Stark Drive, Wigram, will reopen on Monday January 10.

Gabrielle finishes by wishing everyone well over the holidays.

‘‘Hope you all have a happy, safe and amazing Christmas – I think we all deserve one after this year!’’